The farewell ceremony was held at Kigali International Airport on Monday, September 15, and was led by Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, RDF Army Chief of Staff, alongside Commissioner of Police Vincent B. Sano, Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations.
Earlier on Saturday, Maj Gen Nyakarundi briefed members of the contingent at the Rwanda Military Academy in Gako. The session, also attended by Commissioner Sano, emphasised the importance of discipline, commitment, and teamwork as the troops prepare to continue Rwanda's support to Mozambique's security operations. The new deployment will be commanded by Maj Gen Vincent Gatama.
Maj Gen Nyakarundi conveyed a message from President Paul Kagame, Commander-in-Chief of the RDF, commending the achievements of previous contingents and urging the incoming team to maintain the same high standards.
Commissioner of Police Sano also reminded the troops to foster teamwork and avoid any misconduct that could harm Rwanda's reputation abroad.
Rwandan troops were first deployed to Cabo Delgado in July 2021 at the request of the Mozambican government, following years of attacks by Islamic State-linked insurgents.
Since then, the joint operations between Rwanda Security Forces and the Mozambican army have significantly weakened the insurgency, restored security in several areas, and enabled thousands of displaced residents to return to their homes.
The latest deployment comes weeks after a visit by Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo to Rwanda, during which a renewed Status of Forces Agreement on the support to fight terrorism in Mozambique was signed. The agreement extends Rwanda's military support in Cabo Delgado province.
'Thanks to this cooperation, we can see peace returning to the region,' President Chapo said, acknowledging Rwanda's role in stabilising Cabo Delgado despite ongoing sporadic attacks.
IGIHE
